UNSW's sporting elite in Beijing

Two UNSW alumni and former Ben Lexcen Sports Scholars">blank are representing Australia at the Olympics.

Jane Saville - who was famously disqualified from the walking competition just metres from what would have been a gold medal performance at the Sydney Games - will compete in the women's 20 kilometre walk. It is her fourth Olympic competition.

It is the first time that badminton player Stuart Gomez will compete at Olympic level. Gomez, who is also a former Ben Lexcen scholar, is currently ranked Australia's top performer in the men's singles category.

Two other alumni are playing a supporting role.

UNSW Sporting Hall of Fame member, former Windsurfing World Champion and triple Olympian, Lars Kleppich, will support Australia as a sailing coach.

Alumna Natalie Galea, who represented Australia in judo at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, is supporting the judo team. In addition, two members from UNSW's Judo Club are at the games. Semir Pepic will compete in the men's 100 kilo plus category, while Janelle Shepherd will fight other women who are 78 kilos and over. UNSW Judo Club Coaches Angela Deacon and Gavin Kelly are also there as coaches of the Australian Womens' and Mens' teams.

Media Contact: Fran Strachan | 9385 8732 | fran.strachan@unsw.edu.au